Murrindindi Shire Council is excited to present to the community the detailed design for the Blue Gums to Eildon Recreational Trail Project, which is the first stage in a long-term plan to connect Alexandra, Thornton and Eildon via a shared trail.
Council is currently seeking community input on some important elements before finalising the detailed design for the Project.
The current stage of the Project will see the construction of a 2.6 kilometre walking and cycling trail between the Eildon town centre, the pondage and the Breeze Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park.
Following extensive planning and community consultation in 2016, Council received funding under the Victorian State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund – Stimulus Round, which is underpinned by the Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan. The great news is that we have been successful in receiving funding of $1.77 million to deliver this exciting Project!
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said this will deliver a boost to the visitor economy as regional Victoria continues to recover from the global pandemic.
‘Many people already know that Eildon is an amazing part of Victoria in which to live, work and visit, and with new investment to capitalise on its natural assets, that number will grow significantly.”
‘These works will provide crucial jobs in construction while bolstering our region’s tourism appeal and bolstering jobs into the future,” Ms Symes said.
Council’s Eildon Ward Councillor Karine Haslam said the construction of the Blue Gums to Eildon Recreational Trail (the Trail) will provide a range of economic benefits to the Eildon community and local businesses.
‘There is currently no safe off-road link between the Breeze Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park and the Eildon town centre’, Cr Haslam said.
‘The Park attracts around 2000 visitors during its peak season so it will be fantastic to have a direct link from the Park to Eildon’s local shops, businesses and tourism operators.
‘The Trail will provide safe, off-road access for day and over-night visitors along the picturesque Back Eildon Road and Goulburn River and it will encourage greater use of Eildon’s parks, playgrounds and facilities.
‘We’re really pleased to present the detailed design to the community. A lot of work has gone into this Project in recent years. The design includes ideas and input gathered from the local Eildon community, local businesses and community groups in 2016 when the design was initiated’, Cr Haslam added.
‘Before we finalise the detailed design, we’re keen to hear your thoughts on some important landscaping and seating elements.
‘If you’d like to provide your input, head online to , where you can use an interactive map to select where you think trees should be planted and seating should be installed. We need your feedback by 19 November.
‘Next steps for this Project involve tendering for the construction of the Trail, appointing a successful contractor and commencing works early next year. If all goes to plan, we’re aiming to have the Trail completed by the middle of next year!
‘I’d like to thank the Victorian Government, which has contributed $1.77 million to supplement Council’s $190,000 investment in this $1.96 million Project. We are very grateful for their vision and commitment to the future of Eildon,’ Cr Haslam said.
